Tigress clinch record win over Thailand

Bangladesh made a stunning start to their ICC ODI Women’s World Cup Qualifiers campaign with a record-breaking performance, thrashing Thailand by 178 runs in their opening match at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground on Thursday (April 10).

Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted their highest-ever team total in women’s ODI history, scoring 271 for 3. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty led from the front with a blistering 101 off 80 balls — the fastest century by a Bangladeshi in women's ODI cricket. She was well supported by Sharmin Akhter, who remained unbeaten on 94, and Fargana Haque, who added a crucial 53.

Despite losing opener Ishma Tanzim early for just 8 runs, Bangladesh recovered quickly. Farzana and Sharmin put on a 104-run partnership for the second wicket. After Fargana's dismissal, Sharmin and Joty added 152 runs for the third wicket, setting the foundation for a formidable total.

Joty's century was laced with 15 fours and a six, marking her first century in ODIs and only the third in Bangladesh women's cricket history. She also broke the previous fastest century record held by Fargana Haque, who had scored a ton off 156 balls against India in 2023. Sharmin narrowly missed her maiden century, finishing with a composed 94 off 126 deliveries, including 11 boundaries.

In response, Thailand crumbled under pressure, bowled out for just 93 runs in 28.5 overs. Bangladesh’s spin duo, Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdous, wreaked havoc with the ball, both picking up five-wicket hauls. Fahima was especially economical, claiming 5 wickets for just 7 runs in 5 overs, while Jannatul bagged 5 for 21 in 8.5 overs.

With this emphatic victory, Bangladesh have made a strong statement in the qualifiers. They will face Ireland in their next match on April 13.